If you aren't yet familiar with the term Orgcore then Polar Bear Club fit in that category. It's the name given to punk rock bands like The Flatliners and The Menzingers - no nonsense punk without the frills and ink and the key feature being a growly voice and a clear passion to play live. The guitarist looks like he's rocking out in his living room. As for vocalist Jimmy Stadt he's a ball of energy as he lurches himself across the stage and does does a bit of air guitar and the odd attempt of mid-air windmills. Living Saints is without a doubt the set highlight shown by the crowd's sense of urgency as people surge forward and start a mosh pit while screaming out “all my friends are living saints”. For their last song Jimmy screams “are you ready?" before asking everyone to join in with the "sing-a-long". Unfortunately, this is done half heartedly showing that whilst the band have certainly progressed from playing Bunkers Hill two years ago, they’ve still got a job to do before a sold out venue sings back every word to them.
It was always going to be pretty exciting see Tom Morello play at Rock City, but whether his new project with The Nightwatchman was any good has been causing debate between Rage fans who think he should stick to the heavy stuff. But actually his country and blues songs work. Playing a song titled One Man Revolution and wearing a Castro style hat, it's safe to say that his political nature is still very much present. He mocks bands who write love songs before telling everyone the only sentimental song he's ever written is about his guitar called Black Spartacus Heart Attack Machine. As he effortlessly plays epic riffs with massive smile on his face you can see why. Admittedly, it's pretty cheesy when he kisses his guitar but this only leads to a massive uproar of applause. The Road I Must Travel is particularly jubilant with a sailor/Irish folk feel to it. The highlight though was most definitely Tim from Rise Against joining Tom on stage to sing World Wide Rebel Songs. Throw in a cover of Bruce Springsteen's The Ghost of Tom Joad and his solo rendition of Rage Against The Machine's Sleep Now in the Fire and you have a set that confirms this disputed project is actually pretty damn good.
As soon as Rise Against run on there's no messing about; they play some of their better known songs in the first 15 minutes including Satellite and Survive. Being well known for their political activism Tim talks about Occupy Nottingham and preaches about changing the world and not accepting it for what it is. Interestingly there's a mix of people from old punks to young kids showing how this band has mattered to people for a whole decade. The focus really is on the music though and in 90 minutes they play 18 songs from their ten-year existence. Before he grabs his acoustic guitar to play Swing Life Away, Tim asks the crowd to sing along because "the English accent is awesome" which is perfectly sandwiched halfway in the set. Guitarist Zach is the one that eggs the crowd on by shouting things like, “Hey guys, how you doing” and jumping all over the stage. Give it All is a highlight followed by Ready to Fall and Savior. Whilst the entertainment factor may have been somewhat lacking, it's a triumphant tight set overall which leaves the majority of people with a smile on their face.
Rise Against, The Nightwatchman and The Polar Bear Club played at Rock City on Wednesday 2 November 2011.
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